A transformative infrastructure project, envisioned over a decade ago, is poised to reach its zenith on May 1st, Maharashtra Day, with the inauguration of the final 76-kilometre link of the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway.
This ambitious undertaking, stretching 701 kilometres, promises to slash the travel time between Maharashtra’s two major urban centres from a cumbersome 16 hours to a mere 8, heralding a new era of connectivity and economic opportunity for the state. The concluding segment, strategically designed to bypass the congested and treacherous Kasara Ghat, will specifically reduce travel time between Igatpuri and Amane from 90 minutes to a swift 40. Conceived in 2014 under the stewardship of the then Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Samruddhi Mahamarg, officially named the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, was always intended to be more than just a road. It was envisioned as the cornerstone of a broader strategy to cultivate prosperity corridors, fostering economic hubs along its route to invigorate logistics, agriculture, and allied industries within Maharashtra’s rural and semi-urban landscapes.
The journey towards realising this grand vision was not without its hurdles. The initial years were marked by significant challenges in land acquisition, a complex process spanning over 10 districts and affecting nearly 30,000 farmers. However, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the nodal agency steering the project, navigated these complexities through proactive direct negotiations and fair compensation, effectively mitigating large-scale legal entanglements. The project’s progress gained significant momentum with the laying of the foundation stone for the 520-km Nagpur to Shirdi phase by the Prime Minister in December 2022. Subsequent milestones included the opening of the Shirdi to Bharvir leg in May 2023 and the Bharvir to Igatpuri section in March 2024, gradually bringing 625 km of the expressway into operational status. The imminent opening of the final Igatpuri to Amane stretch marks the culmination of this sustained effort.
This last segment holds particular significance due to its alignment, deliberately avoiding the accident-prone and bottlenecked Kasara Ghat section of the existing Mumbai-Nagpur route. The new access-controlled expressway, featuring six lanes with the provision for expansion to eight, offers a significantly safer, smoother, and more efficient alternative to the traditional ghat road, promising a more seamless commute for both passenger and freight traffic. Constructed at an estimated cost of ₹1,182 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) with shared funding between MSRDC and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the final phase encountered delays primarily due to forest clearance issues in the Thane district. The resolution of these challenges in 2023 paved the way for the timely completion of this crucial link.
The entire 701-km corridor, built at a total investment exceeding ₹55,000 crore, is engineered for high speeds, up to 150 km/h, and incorporates advanced infrastructure including 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, 65 flyovers, and six tunnels, notably the longest at Kasara Ghat. Mindful of environmental sustainability, the expressway also features wildlife crossings, electric vehicle charging stations, and solar power facilities, reflecting a commitment to a greener transportation ecosystem. Spanning across 10 districts and connecting approximately 390 villages, the Samruddhi Mahamarg is poised to be a catalyst for enhanced travel, trade, and overall development across Maharashtra. Beyond mere connectivity, the Samruddhi Mahamarg is strategically positioned as an engine for economic growth. The state government has identified 24 nodes along the expressway for the development of agri-processing parks, industrial estates, skill development centres, and tourism destinations. These initiatives are expected to generate significant employment opportunities and attract investments, particularly in historically less developed regions such as Wardha, Washim, and Jalna, fostering a more equitable distribution of economic benefits. Plans are already underway for the establishment of logistics parks and warehousing clusters in strategically located areas like Nashik, Aurangabad, and Bhiwandi, leveraging the expressway’s enhanced accessibility.
While lauded for its engineering excellence and the convenience it offers, the Samruddhi Mahamarg has also faced scrutiny regarding road safety. Addressing these concerns, the MSRDC has initiated the implementation of an intelligent traffic management system (ITMS) with an investment of ₹1700 crore. This technology-driven system will utilise artificial intelligence and data analytics to optimise traffic flow and enhance safety measures. Additionally, the MSRDC has intensified awareness campaigns and deployed highway patrols, speed radars, and strategically located resting stations to mitigate potential hazards. The inauguration of the final leg on Maharashtra Day carries a significant symbolic weight, representing the culmination of a decade-long aspiration for infrastructure-led progress. As the state celebrates its formation day, the operationalisation of the full Samruddhi Expressway marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and a more sustainable future for its citizens.
Also read:https://urbanacres.in/lucknows-outer-ring-road-to-ease-traffic-and-boost-regional-connectivity/
Expressway Promises Economic Upliftment
